Salomé... notice the head of John on the table behind the cast?!! Cooooool!

Hello there my pretties!!!

I recently went to the opera.It was lovely! I saw Salomé. It was breathtaking and so bloody! I loved it and it made me reflect on how uncivilized we humans are! The play was written by Oscar Wilde. If you don't know the story, click here.

This time of year, (Spring Equinox, Easter, Passover) I reflect on justice and injustice and how both are shaped by politics and beliefs. Is it the will of the Gods? Could it be that we are just uncivilized? As I was watching the opera, it struck me how sensitive and brutal we humans are.

John the Baptist was a political prisoner for running his mouth against the Queen and the political machine just ran its course to his beheading. It seems history repeats itself, (think of all the murders committed for beliefs and politics) over and over and over and over again. Why do we make the same mistakes? I will pray to the Gods for guidance, can't hurt, right?!

Ma Vie en Rose Love List March 29th

Today's LOVE LIST is dedicated to Marisa Zahler Raymond.WHY?Ms. Marisssss (like hiss) is the real deal. If awards were given out for 'BEST HUMAN BEING ON EARTH,' Marisss would win. HANDS DOWN!

She is wicked smart, generous, kind, and an example of how to behave.

Just recently, she hosted a Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow party at her home. Notice the scissors? She shaved her head in support of cancer patients and their families plus raised 500€ for the association Cancer Support France. BRAVA! BRAVA!

Chicken Breast stuffed with Chorizo served with a side of Red Bell Peppers​

Meet Julian. He means business. He is the walking stereotype of a French chef. He is stern and very passionate about food.

Never Mess with a French Chef! They will FLAY YOU then serve you with garlic and parsley and I'd bet it would be delicious!!!!

I went to a cooking class in downtown Bordeaux. It was great and tasty! And before you ask, yes, I will share with you the recipe we made, plus talk food tips and tricks and save you $30! You are welcome!!! :)

​It's called L’atelier Des Chefs, which roughly translates to The Chef's Workshop. We made chicken breast stuffed with chorizo served with a side of red bell peppers. Delish and super duper easy!

Before I get into the recipe and cooking instructions, I want to take the time to discuss the importance of quality ingredients. ​If you are able to purchase organic foods or from a local farmer's market, do so! Yes, it does cost more, however know that you deserve it. EAT WELL PEOPLE! I'll get off my soapbox now.

Chorizo1. This is what you need to find and purchase. You will cut them as pictured, about 6-8 slices. It is about the size of a quarter or silver dollar. Please note: There is a skin on this, that you will need to remove. Funny, huh! Remove this skin, but leave the skin on the chicken!

​We always have chorizo in the house, it is great for everything!We eat it by itself, sliced this way, with fresh bread and butter or when I make 'French bread pizza', I use this instead of pepperoni, it is similar in taste!

Delishhhhh! ​

Chicken2. Before you touch start preparing your chicken, set your skillet and your pan (for the red pepper) on a medium high heat, then preheat the oven to 375. Place your chicken breast on a oven safe dish for preparation.

With your fingers, slide them between the chicken breast and skin to loosen it up. Then place 3 or 4 slices of chorizo inside the skin.Check the skillet temp, then when it is to your satisfaction, add a copious amount of olive oil to the skillet and once it starts to smoke, place the chicken breast face down in the oil to brown for 4 minutes on each side. Just like below! Then, turn the heat off from the stove, remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and replace on the oven safe dish and put in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until it is cooked to your liking. Next, pour yourself a glass of white wine and take a few sips! Then, pour the entire contents in the same skillet you cooked your chicken. TIP: This will help 'clean' the pan for easy clean up! ​

Red Bell Pepper3. Cut the red pepper in strips and place on the side.Also chop the garlic and onion to your liking. Place them all to the side.

When you place the chicken breasts in the oven, this is when you will prepare the red peppers.As you have already heated up the pan, it will cook in less than 15 minutes!

First, add the red bell pepper and sauté, then a few minutes later, add the garlic, then a few minutes after that, the onion, until it cooked to your liking. Then the white wine you had in the skillet, dump it all in the red pepper mixture. ​VIOLA! ​

The French chef is hovering over me -- is that a smile on his face?!!

In the end, it looks like this and tastes just like heaven!

MIAM! YUM! NOM!

From start to finish, this recipe takes about 30-35 minutes.

Use salt and pepper to taste and ENJOY!

If you are watching your carbs, this would be a wonderful recipe to add to your cookbook!

Soooo good and good for you!

Red peppers contain 300 percent of your daily vitamin C intake, is rich in B6 and magnesium, help support healthy night vision and are packed with antioxidants!

Today, The Cash and I played tourist in our city and we enjoyed the spring sun!

We exercised, ate well and walked several miles, even though it didn't feel like it, the reason is due to all the beautiful scenery!

I keep forgetting how breathtaking Bordeaux is, and now that it is getting warmer, I will be taking advantage of the situation and walking my dog!

It has been a little tense in the home, and yes I have fallen off the wagon. Depression and insanity have overstayed their welcome and need to get the F out! That is the reason, we got the F out! Below are photos of the Quarter of Saint-Michel, named after the archangel. It is a melting pot of people that range from all nationalities, color and creed!

This is a really cool antique shop that we stumbled upon! Everything was so cool!

What can be said of Las Vegas that has not been said before? Her humble and infamous beginnings, the glitz and glamour, and the 24 hour accessibility of the finest of vices are located on a five mile stretch of road known throughout the world as ‘The Strip’.But for me, it was home. Living in Las Vegas is like nothing and everything you can imagine. The casino was my playground and gluttony was my best friend. I indulged and reveled in the Las Vegas lifestyle with her blinking and blinding lights, the sweet music of the slot machines, the screams of winners at the craps table, the instant gratification, the concerts, the buffets, the shows, the discos, the shopping, the smoking, the constant noise, the drinking, the parties, and her overt opulence. The propaganda of “Sin City” delivered on the promise of a grand illusion, and I was a willing and active participant.

Las Vegas, which means ‘The Meadows’ in Spanish, began as railroad stop. In the early 1930s, Americans from across the country flooded the Las Vegas valley to work on the construction project, Hoover Dam. Ten years later, Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel, a man with a vision and a gangster background, made his stake in the middle of the desert with a casino named The Flamingo. And thus, Las Vegas rose like a phoenix from the ashes and continues to burn brightly for the world to see.

Now fast forward to present day. I find myself a foreigner in the foreign land of France. I arrived more than 2 years ago in the beautiful city of Bordeaux, crossing the ocean for none other than love and adventure.

The enormity of the change from bright lights to baguettes has left me feeling lost and confused, but the American in me does not comprehend failure. So, I regroup, reorganize, and play on French terms, which I find changes by the minute depending on the direction of the winds or where bread crumbs land. And here I thought Las Vegas was fast paced! I find the French are passionate about conversation and complaining, yet, from my point of view, they find it pointless to change, even if it could lead to a better situation. When pointing this out, I have received the typical French sound of “Pfft,”which I figured out is a legitimate answer to any question. I also love and find a bit bizarre, the different sound effects that the French sprinkle in their conversations. I too find myself doing these sound effects, and go so far as to act out words to carry on a conversation, much like a performing monkey. The French seem to appreciate though, however I’m unsure if they are secretly poking fun at me.

Above all, France is teaching me patience. I have discovered the fine art of ‘à la française’.I have fallen in love with the different approach to life, where it can be seen at any sidewalk café. The French have conversations; they eat and smoke, they enjoy the moment, instead of allowing themselves to be distracted by their mobile phones or other devices that creates isolation, like many Americans. I find the approach to life magnificent, and after meeting several people, who love to practice their English with me, (I should start charging) the importance of ‘the experience’.

I recently met a gentleman, Laurent Gonzales, who discussed for more than half an hour, a Calvados or “calva” as he called it, he “had the privilege to drink” distilled from the 1800s, on a recent trip to Normandy. He described the experience as if he discovered Eve in the Garden of Eden. Gonzales used his hands, like a maestro, to emphasize the perfection of the calva’s smoothness, its aroma, its color, and how his taste buds exploded with pleasure. With his carefully chosen words, he had transported me to Normandy and I felt as if I had enjoyed the calva right alongside him. Then, he asked me a question which, for the first time, made me sad to be American.

He then looked at me with the typical French face of disgust and surprise, and at that exact moment, I discovered the distinct difference between French and American cultures. Americans drink wine for special occasions, while the French drink wine because every day is a special occasion.

From this moment on, I have decided to allow France to reveal herself to me on her terms, and to remember that every day is a special occasion. I embrace and welcome the change, and above all the experience.

This past week, I surrounded myself with loved ones. I spent (lots of) quality with my sweet husband, great friends, short walks with my puppy and eating poorly. I'm not proud of the last confession, however there it is.

I even ate McDonalds this week. I was completely off track. Too ashamed to even post photos due to laziness. :(

So, instead of beating myself up about it, I decided to chalk it up to being human and normal.

Besides, this week has been great! I have had more down time to relax and be more intimate with my husband. Great week!

Weight last week: 156Weight this week: 157

I plan to go back to the drawing board and remember the 10 rules from above that I found on some fitness inspiration website. Have a great week!!

I just returned from a nice long stroll in the city with The Cash.I made two pitstops. 1. The bank 2. a local pâtisserie where I picked up a slice of cheesecake for my husband. (Today is his birthday)

Week 9, as I reflect on it, I must be better at writing down what food I place in my mouth and paying more attention to the little things that add up! My #1 offender is soda -- I love those tiny bubbles! I will go back to drinking Perrier (sparkling water) and watch my intake of my favorite offender! I eat well though, lots of veggies, protein, fresh bread, fruits that are in season, and hardly any sweets... I usually cook at home for the husband and I, yet I have to admit I love snack foods (like everybody!) especially chips and soda! Yummm! The GREAT thing about France, is smaller portions! Therefore, when I indulge in my favorites, well, the bag is A LOT smaller and JUST ENOUGH to satisfy my craving! Thank you France, thank you!

Photos taken March 6, 2013

Taken before my afternoon walk with my sweet puppy, Cachou (The Cash)

What I have learned this past week:1. I have learned that just because the scale registers a lower number, doesn't mean THIN! Au contraire, I would like to be 156 pounds of muscle tone and fitness rather than fat, because (as you already know) muscle weighs more than fat.

2. Cachou enjoys doing yoga with me! (see photo below!) My routine is basic and I do it because it makes me feel good! I usually do it when I roll out of bed or before going to bed. You know when you wake up in the morning and you take the time to get a good stretch in, ahhhhhhh, and it just feels sooo good!! THAT IS MY YOGA ROUTINE!

3 New Things to Implement for Week 101. Drink more water, particually Perrier, to curb my soda intake!2. I plan to tone up using core exercises, my yoga routine, walking and playing tennis - sports I love participating in! 3. Keep a food diary, upload it with new photos and recipes!

I LOVE TENNIS!

Since embarking on the road to better health, I decided to take up tennis. My sweet husband got me hooked on the sport, (come to think of it, I think Roger Federer did, he is soooo cute!)as we would watch several Grand Slam tourneys together, cheering for Roger, of course, and it was then, right then, that I fell in love the fluidity, power, and grace of tennis. That is when I decided to try it for myself!

Ohhhh Roger! You like coffee? My skin color is coffee and you don't need any sugar, as I am sweet enough!

Turns out, my love of the sport translated into a not so bad tennis player. Granted, I am NO Federer, however my desire to play well, just kicked in! It was surprising actually, I told my instructor (Victor) from the get go, I have NEVER played before, but I want to play like Federer! He responded, "OK!" (Bless his heart!) Victor was pleasantly surprised by how well my first lesson went, none more than me!

I love it!It is a beautiful game that can invigorate and frustrate me to NO END! Plus, I run! ON PURPOSE! I think I should get a medal for that alone! HA!

Bonjour et Bienvenue!

I'm Jennifer... Thank you for stopping by for a spell!

I am a 40-something year old American woman. Born in Texas, raised in Las Vegas!

Frenchified for Life

is a fabulous little lifestyle blog about truly embracing French life!

​My intent is to simply inspire you to create something unique and beautiful in your everyday life. The French have this wonderful and annoying habit of seeing the world through rose colored glasses, might as well learn something from them!

That said, I lift my glass to you!

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By the way, I mention the name Cachou (or The Cash) a lot, I'm referring to her...